The January transfer window has entered its final week. After a solid start to the window with two additions in its first two weeks, optimism has been tempered slightly as progress on new incomings seems to have stalled slightly.
Clubs across Europe are reluctant to do business with the Magpies this month and despite their desperation to add to their ranks, completing deals seems to be difficult for the new Newcastle United owners.
Right now, Newcastle are locked in a hotly-contested battle to survive the drop this campaign, but is their strongest XI good enough to achieve this come May?
Here, we take a look at Eddie Howe’s strongest Newcastle United starting XI:
Is this team good enough to beat the drop this season? Follow us on Twitter @MouthofTynePod and let us know there.
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5. LB: Jamal Lewis
Before injury against Liverpool, Lewis had impressed under Howe and looked like making the left-back position his own. With two weeks before their next game, hopefully Lewis can get back to full fitness again and be back in the first-team picture. Photo: Stu Forster
6. RM: Ryan Fraser
Another player that has had a mini-resurgence under Howe has been Fraser. His performances on the wing have been bright and a partnership between him and Trippier is beginning to flourish. Hopefully his goals and assists output start to creep up and reflect the improvements in his performances. Photo: George Wood
7. CM: Joelinton
Few could have foreseen the Brazilian becoming one of the most talked about box-to-box midfielders in the whole of the Premier League. Joelinton’s turnaround at Newcastle has been remarkable and long may this continue. Photo: Stu Forster
8. CM: Jonjo Shelvey
Shelvey’s ability on the ball has never been in question, but his work-rate whilst out of possession has always been questioned. Under Howe, Shelvey has shown a willingness to work hard and showed against Leeds United he can hold his own against a very strong and athletic midfield. Photo: George Wood